"I've made the very difficult decision not to return for another season," Spears tells ETonline in a statement, adding that Fox has been informed. "I had an incredible time doing the show and I love the other judges and I am so proud of my teens but it's time for me to get back in the studio."

"Watching them all do their thing up on that stage every week made me miss performing so much! I can't wait to get back out there and do what I love most."

Spears is reportedly hard at work on her eighth album, with her manager, Adam Leber, Tweeting, "It's a little premature to give details on album 8. I know a lot of you are rabid for info but @britneyspears has only had a few sessions ... I will say @britneyspears had an incredible session recently with @EsterDean and @Hit_Boy. Great start...."